Bethlehem's Holiday Tree Lighting Illuminates for the First Time After the Outbreak of the Conflict

Throughout a two-year period during the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations for Christmas were called off within the city of Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This city is where the faithful hold Jesus was born.

However, following a recent truce, this sacred city determined that this year celebrations would make a comeback, as symbolised by the illumination of its customary, giant Christmas tree in front of the ancient Church of the Nativity.

"It's been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no employment, no income," remarks the city's mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and tourism was down to zero."

He acknowledges that the decision to restart festivities faced some debate, as suffering continues in Gaza – which affects members of the small Christian population, many of whom have relatives to Bethlehem.

"Some may say it's not appropriate while others contend it is fitting," Mr Canawati explains. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the correct action to take because the Christmas season should never be halted or abandoned. This is a beacon of hope for us."

A Spark of Festivity Returns

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – take photographs before the tree decorated with red and gold baubles at Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of foreign tourists.

Brightly coloured lights now adorn city streets and there are signs promoting Christmas bazaars and children's parties.

"We are delighted to see the tree, first of all, and to welcome visitors in Bethlehem and to be able to observe the holiday in its true spirit," comments local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, therefore here is where we can send the message to the world about what Christmas truly should be about. And this year, if the season is calm, I sincerely hope it will deliver a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Hopes and Challenges

The neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour also intend to illuminate Christmas trees in the coming days. Hotels – which have remained largely empty for the past two years – have an influx in reservations from Arab citizens of Israel along with certain international tourists.

One tourist from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think everyone needs to come at least once during their lifetime," she says.

"I hope many visitors will soon come back because it's sad with few tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is you don't have lengthy queues – one can visit and see more things. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in line for hours at least."

For now, the gift shops dotted around Bethlehem have little business, and outside the cream-coloured walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the Fourth Century, guides largely stand idle. Prior to the Gaza war, it was often crammed with visitors.

"Bethlehem is a tourist city; without tourism there is no livelihood," laments one guide Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals coming back like before: from European nations, the Middle Eastern region, the Americas, Latin America and all over. We begin with the Christmas tree lighting, and we'll wait."

The Persistent Economic Toll

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared in Bethlehem. Since the deadly attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel in October 2023 which triggered the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank have been blocked from entering Israel and its settlements for work.

Meanwhile, government employees have been paid only partial salaries from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The Authority relies on tax revenues collected by Israel, which it is currently holding – amounting to $1.76 billion, as reported by the UN's trade and development agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining the funds because the Authority provides financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage attacks on Israelis. The authority – which has been under international pressure to enact reforms – claims it has lately modified its social welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The grim economic situation implies that for numerous Christian Palestinians, despite the fact that there are currently public festivities as well as religious services, it will be a subdued holiday season.

On the periphery of Manger Square, a few customers are waiting to purchase sizzling balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas after one of our most challenging times as Palestinians and as a Christian community," states Alaa Salameh, who runs Afteem, a long-established family restaurant that has witnessed its income plummet. He notes that recently numerous families could not even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional food.

"Christians will try to celebrate but according to their circumstances," Mr Salameh expects. "An individual wishing to bring their children to a festival or the theatre or similar, he doesn't have the money to expend for this celebration."

Hopes for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a local woman follows a small Indian tour group, bending down by a silver star that indicates the location where it is said Jesus was born and igniting a candle close by.

With tensions still high across the region, Bethlehem residents state they are praying for tranquility – and hoping for visitors to return to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.